Extend your tour with a Kerala Beach Stay

Extend your tour with a relaxing beach stay in the Indian State of Kerala. Relax in the popular resort of Kovalam, known locally as the paradise of the south, amongst the coconut groves for which the town is famous.

Tour Itinerary

1

UK to Kochi (Cochin)

Depart London on your overnight flight to Kerala.

2

Kochi

On arrival at Kochi International airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel where you will check in and have dinner. The rest of your evening is at leisure.

Dinner

3

Kochi

Start your day with a 45 minute Ayuervedic massage and breakfast at your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a traditional lunch of Sadhya, a delicacy in Kerala served on a banana leaf, before you begin your tour of Kochi, the historic centre of India's spice trade. See the ancient Chinese influence in the impressive fishing nets, still used daily by locals, and take a ride through the village road in a tuk-tuk. You will also see the Mattanchery Dutch Palace and the oldest European church in India, St. Francis before returning to your hotel in Kochi for the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4

Kochi to Thrissur

After breakfast disembark and journey to the Athirapally Waterfalls. Then head on to Thrissur and visit historical buildings such as the Vadkumnathan and Paramekavu Devi Temples Continue to your hotel in Thrissur where you will spend the next two nights.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

5

Thrissur

Following breakfast, today will be your chance to gain insight into the local culture with 'A Day with the Masters', an introduction to the world of Kerala's traditional performing arts. Learn about traditional Sanskrit theatre, percussion music and the training of each art form, as well as the life of an artist. Retire to your hotel in the evening for dinner and your overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

6

Thrissur to Munnar

The tour will depart Thrissur in the morning and travel to Munnar, known for its expanse of tea plantations, rolling valleys and mountains. Stopping en route for lunch, the rest of the day will be free time where you may choose to hire a bicycle and ride through Munnar's beautiful paths, or simply relax with a good book at your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

7

Munnar

Today you will have a tour of Munnar, a nature lover's paradise. Visit Mattupetty Lake, Echo Point, Gundala Lake and Jungle Honey Bee Nest, where over 20 nests occupy a single tree. You will then continue to a tea plantation and Rajamalai National Park, famous for its largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr (wild goat). Please note: Rajamala National Park will closed during the breeding period of Nilgiri Thars.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

8

Munnar to Thekkady

Journey to Thekkady, a stunning area located high in the Cardamom hills containing tea gardens, rubber, coffee and pepper plantations. Following lunch, a visit to a plantation and spice market awaits you. . Following lunch, a visit to a plantation and spice market awaits you.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

9

Thekkady to Alleppey

A highlight of Thekkady is the Periyar National Park, India's largest wildlife sanctuary. Board a boat at Periyar Lake where you will have the chance to spot some elephants, or one of the park's 25 Bengal tigers amongst other birds, reptiles and mammals. Board a traditional houseboat which will be your transport and accommodation. This leisurely cruise takes you through the winding backwaters of Kerala, enjoying the local food and stunning rural scenery of the surrounding Kerala villages and waters. Meandering through the beautiful lagoons, rivers and canals is truly an amazing experience like no other.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

10

Alleppey to Trivandrum

Following breakfast travel to Trivandrum with stop at the Jatayupara Earth Centre. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Trivandrum. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

11

Trivandrum

Depart in the morning for a half day city tour. Witness the magnificent Kanakakunnu Palace, one of the last architectural relics of the colonial era, then see the famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, one of the principle places of worship of the deity of Vaishnavism. You will then return to your hotel to enjoy another Ayurvedic massage before your farewell dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

12

Trivandrum to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. Please note the itinerary on the website is for 202

Breakfast

13

Trivandrum to Kovalam

Transfer to your chosen beach hotel to commence your beach stay.

Breakfast & Dinner

14

Kovalam

Enjoy relaxing by the beautiful beaches of Kovalam.

16

Kovalam to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Important Information

Visas

A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain an e-Tourist Visa (eTV) for travel to India. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. The cost of the visa is approximately £96 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 30 days before your proposed travel date and takes around 10 working days to issue. It is only valid for a 30 day single entry stay from the date of arrival. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa.

Insurance

You must obtain suitable travel insurance prior to departure. Mercury Holidays is partnered with Holiday Extras which offer insurance at the following prices:

Age in Years

Up to 64

65 - 74

75 - 85

Up to 17 days cover

£39

£75

£129

For all persons 86 years and over, please contact us for insurance prices. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Direct will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £49pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Flights are operated with Emirates, departing London Heathrow via Dubai. Each passenger is entitled to 30KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding (Max 10kg - 55cm/38cm/ 20cm) in size. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check- in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of Sri Lanka. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in these destinations, should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Therefore, it is very important that you budget carefully.

The currency in Kerala is the Indian Rupee (RS). The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of Kerala. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in these destinations, should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Therefore, it is very important that you budget carefully.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £100 - £200 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are!

Additional Expenses

Travelling Alone?

We have 2 rooms available on every tour date for single occupancy use, however, a single supplement must be paid on the add-on part of the tour.

Alcoholic drinks

Please note that Kerala has strict laws regarding the governance of the sale of alcohol in public places including hotels and restaurants. The sale and consumption of alcohol is often restricted in hotels, varying from one establishment to another. However, you may bring your own alcohol with you for private consumption in your room.

What to expect

Fact File

Currency

Indian Rupee

Average Flying time

12 - 17 hours

Min/Max temperature

27 °C / 29 °C

Spoken languages

Malayalam, English

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Kerala

Kerala

What to pack

Sunscreen and hat in summer

Comfortable walking shoes

Warm clothing and thermals in winter

Camera and charger

An electric plug converter

Loo paper for public WCs

Binoculars

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

L Saunders

7th Jun 2019

Mohammed our guide was excellent went over and above. The tour was really interesting particularly the tea plantation.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Chris Wise

17th May 2019

All hotels were fantastic. Quality of the food really good, rooms clean and staff polite and friendly. All in great locations.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Sally Turner

28th Mar 2019

As our flights were changed at the last minute our first hotel was a stop gap, it was basic and thankfully we only stayed for a few hours.
All the hotels were of a good standard so offering a few extras like The Casino who had live music in the evening.
We opted for a beach extension and stayed at The Taj, impressive and luxuriant with service second to none.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Michael Paterson

23rd Feb 2019

Nice hotels along the way and the vivanta at the end was amazing

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Jennie Tomlinson

4th Dec 2018

All hotels were good, with good food. Our tour guide Mohamed was excellent. very informative and went beyond his call of duty in respect of the other members of our party,

Customer Rating:

Ramesh Ramnarine

Customer Rating:

Julia Duggleby

24th Nov 2018

Hotels generally of a good standard, clean and comfortable. Staff wonderful in every hotel.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Lynne Turner

23rd Nov 2018

The Taj Green Cove was exceptional in all respects and far exceeded expectations on all levels.
As stated the service provided by Jayresee was excellent - very comfortable air-conditioned transport, driver dealt with exceptional road conditions which were still being repaired following flooding.
Tour reps were extremely good and always ensured the whole party were comfortable and wanted for nothing. A credit to the company.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Geoffrey Crocker

23rd May 2018

Good standard in all hotels. Clean and staff were attentive, food good. Could have done with more Air conditioning to sit in rather than just our room. The restaurants were very hot.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Karen Bell

18th May 2018

All the hotels were clean and staff very helpful

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

7.5/10

Nigel Hammersley

22nd Jan 2018

I will not fly with Jet Airways again. I would be willing to pay the extra and fly with a "better" airline in future.

Please Mercury Holidays, remove the Elephant Sanctuary visit from the itinerary. The conditions that the animals are kept in is a disgrace and the elephants were showing serious signs of distress. A number of our group left the visit early as we were so disgusted at the conditions.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Ian Davidson

3rd Nov 2017

All the hotels were good, clean comfortable with friendly staff and good food.I feel they they represented excellent value for money. The tour extension hotel (Vivanta by Taj at Green Cove) was outstanding in all respects

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Hilary Fagan

20th Oct 2017

All hotels were very good especially Isola de cocco

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Julie Faldo

4th Mar 2017

Had the best time ever. Loved every bit of it. Staff exceptional.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Keith Douglass

14th Dec 2016

The tour was very good and the guide and driver were excellent.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Nita Sproston

21st Oct 2016

All the hotels on the tour were very good. Our driver was very good and our guide was also good

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Michael Jocelyn

12th Feb 2016

All were excellent, perhaps a couple could have had better shower facilities in the rooms (no hot water) but all very comfortable and staff were excellent.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Christine Pretty

11th Dec 2015

Very good standard. Rooms clean, no problems.
We appreciated having tea-making facilities.
Good range of local food in all hotels.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

10/10

Gailyn Groves

10th Nov 2015

Quality of hotels was excellent with usual issues of plumbing and electricity.

The pace of the tour was just right. I was never over tired.

The guide Raj was more than excellent, he went over and above anything that could be expected.

Overall Satisfaction

Value for money

Customer Rating:

8.8/10

Janet Karamath

27th Feb 2015

All hotels were of high standard. No problems.
Beach stay hotel was the best --- Isola de cocco the high standard of this hotel is not evident in its reviews... a great shame

Uday Samudra Hotel

River Retreat

Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa Kovalam - Seaside Stay

Tea County Resort

Aranya Nivas

Houseboats

Uday Suites

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